Outemu Crystal Brown vs. Huano Strawberry Latte

Overview

When it comes to choosing the right mechanical keyboard switch for your typing or gaming needs, the Outemu Crystal Brown and the Huano Strawberry Latte present two distinct yet appealing options. The Outemu Crystal Brown, a tactile switch, is ideal for those who appreciate a noticeable bump in feedback with each keystroke, offering a satisfying typing experience that can enhance precision during extended use. On the other hand, the Huano Strawberry Latte, a linear switch, is renowned for its smooth, uninterrupted keystrokes, making it perfect for speedy gaming and typing without the distraction of tactile feedback. While the Crystal Brown provides a balanced feel that can help typists avoid accidental presses, the Strawberry Latte excels in delivering a seamless sound profile that strikes a nice balance—not overly quiet but also not overly resonant. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.

By the numbers

Outemu Crystal Brown Tactile

Huano Strawberry Latte Linear

$3.10 per 10

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

Learn moreLearn more

Housing materials

When comparing the housing materials of the Outemu Crystal Brown and the Huano Strawberry Latte, distinct differences arise, particularly in their top housings. The Crystal Brown utilizes polycarbonate for its top housing, which is lauded for creating a crisper and higher-pitched sound profile. This quality is attributed to the material's stiffness, which allows for a more resonant sound. Moreover, polycarbonate's translucency makes it an excellent choice for RGB lighting effects, enhancing visual appeal. In contrast, the Strawberry Latte employs POK (polyketone), a material known not only for its durability but also for a relatively smooth surface due to a slightly higher coefficient of friction than other plastics. While POK provides a clacky and robust typing experience, it does not match the crispness attributed to the polycarbonate used in the Crystal Brown.

Despite these differences in top housing materials, both switches share the same bottom housing composition: nylon. This material contributes to a fuller and deeper sound profile, as its softer nature tends to absorb sound better than harder plastics. As a result, when typing on either switch, users will experience a similar auditory feedback due to the nylon bottom housing. This shared characteristic means that, regardless of the differing top housing materials, the typing experience's fundamental auditory elements remain consistent across both switches, offering a rounded and muted sound upon bottoming out.

Ultimately, the combination of materials in the Outemu Crystal Brown and Huano Strawberry Latte results in two unique yet somewhat comparable typing experiences. While the top housings contribute differently to the sound—one being brighter and more resonant while the other offers a smooth and robust clack—the consistent use of nylon for the bottom housing ensures a shared depth and warmth in sound. Therefore, even though the overall auditory profiles of the two switches may differ, the collaboration of materials allows for a cohesive experience that highlights the strengths of both designs while providing users with distinct yet familiar outcomes.

Weight

When comparing the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch with the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch, there is a notable difference in both actuation and bottom out forces. The Crystal Brown has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 55 grams, categorizing it as medium-light. In contrast, the Strawberry Latte offers a lighter typing experience with an actuation force of just 35 grams and a bottom out force of 45 grams. This difference indicates that the Strawberry Latte is easier to press down, making it more suitable for extended typing sessions or gaming for those who prefer a lighter switch. Conversely, the Crystal Brown’s heavier actuation and bottom out forces will appeal to users seeking a more substantial tactile feedback while typing. Overall, while both switches serve distinct preferences, the Strawberry Latte provides a lighter touch, whereas the Crystal Brown is better suited for those who enjoy a firmer keystroke feel.

Travel distance

When comparing the travel distances of the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch and the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch, we see a notable difference. The Crystal Brown features a travel distance of 4 mm, which aligns with the traditional preference for a deeper feel in keystrokes. This depth can provide a more satisfying tactile feedback, appealing to those who enjoy a hearty typing experience. In contrast, the Strawberry Latte has a slightly shorter travel distance of 3.6 mm. This reduced distance may cater more to gamers and users looking for quicker response times, as shorter travel distances can facilitate faster typing and gaming actions. Therefore, if you prioritize a more responsive feel, the Strawberry Latte would be more suitable, while the Crystal Brown is preferable for those who appreciate a deeper, more traditional stroke.

Price comparison

Typing experience

The sound produced by the Outemu Crystal Brown switch is not specifically characterized, leaving its auditory presence somewhat of an unknown. In contrast, the Huano Strawberry Latte switch offers a balanced sound profile. It strikes a middle ground—neither too quiet nor too resonant—making it a versatile option for those who appreciate a refined acoustic experience in their typing. It’s important to remember that the sound quality of any switch can also be influenced by other factors such as the type of keyboard plate, case, and keycaps being used, so personal preferences may vary across setups.

When it comes to feel, the Outemu Crystal Brown does not have a defined quality provided, which leaves it open for interpretation. Meanwhile, the Huano Strawberry Latte is praised for its super smooth performance. This smoothness can greatly enhance the typing experience, providing a glide-like feel without the tactile interruptions found in some other switches. For those looking for a fluid typing motion, the Strawberry Latte establishes a premium tactile experience that may contribute to prolonged comfort during extensive usage.

In summary, while the sound characteristics of the Outemu Crystal Brown remain unspecified, the Huano Strawberry Latte stands out with its balanced auditory output. In terms of feel, the lack of detailed performance for the Crystal Brown makes it difficult to compare, but the renowned smoothness of the Strawberry Latte offers a compelling experience for typists. Both can potentially deliver enjoyable typing experiences, although the nuances of sound and feel will depend heavily on personal preference and the larger mechanical keyboard configuration.

Conclusion

To conclude, when deciding between the Outemu Crystal Brown tactile switch and the Huano Strawberry Latte linear switch, you should consider your typing preferences and usage scenarios. If you enjoy a tactile feedback that helps you feel when a key is actuated, and you're looking for a medium-light feel, the Crystal Brown may be the right choice for you. This switch offers a balance that is favorable for both typing and gaming, providing a sense of reassurance with each press. On the other hand, if you're after a smooth and light touch, the Huano Strawberry Latte is an excellent option. With a bottom-out force of just 45 grams, it is great for rapid keypresses, making it ideal for gamers who require quick response times without fatigue. The Strawberry Latte also delivers a balanced sound profile that complements a variety of environments, giving you a pleasant typing experience without being overly noisy. Ultimately, choosing the right switch comes down to whether you prioritize tactile feedback or a lighter, smoother feel—both options have distinct advantages depending on your personal preferences.

Mentioned in this article

Outemu Crystal Brown Tactile

$3.10 per 10

Learn more

Huano Strawberry Latte Linear

$3.50

$3.29 per 10

Learn more